Oakland’s Rockridge residents on edge as mysterious rock-thrower strikes again

CNN Newsource on October 17, 2025

By Andrea Nakano

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    OAKLAND, California (KPIX) — For almost a year, residents in the Rockridge area of Oakland have been on the lookout for a man throwing rocks through the windows of homes and cars. One family was attacked twice recently, and they’re finding out they’re not alone.

Driving down the streets just north of Highway 24 in the Rockridge community, you can see boarded-up windows scattered in the neighborhood. It was just three weeks ago when a rock came flying through the window of Luis Aguirre’s home.

“We were literally just sleeping and at 6 a.m., we got rudely awakened at 6 in the morning with a fat rock thrown through our window,” Aguirre said.

Luckily, no one was hurt, but he says if it had happened any later, either he or his daughter would’ve been watching TV when it happened that Saturday morning. After the incident, he shared what happened on social media.

“We wanted to tell our neighbors to make sure they were aware this happened,” he said. “We reached out to anyone who had any footage, that was our immediate like, trying to track down who did this and what motivation did they try and do.”

Aguirre also put up security cameras to hopefully catch the man responsible. Within days, the next incident happened. This time, a rock shattered a window of his car.

“We got footage of the individual that did it,” he said. “Just aimlessly walking in the middle of the street, just threw the rock in our car.”

Other residents have captured footage of the suspect as well and have posted these fliers of a man wearing red sweatpants all throughout the neighborhood. Residents say they’ve experienced crime in this area, but this feels different.

“Seeing stuff like this, even though it feels less malicious and more something else is going on with this individual, it still makes me feel a little anxious,” said resident Mishari Aleisa.

Aguirre says once he posted what happened at his house, more of his neighbors have come forward to share similar stories. Many of the residents are sharing information and videos, hoping to put an end to the chaos.

“I’m constantly anxious about any sound I hear now,” Aguirre said. “It’s like, what was that? Definitely shaken up our minds a little bit. We know it’s not a widespread theft, crime issue. Definitely feels like one individual who’s disturbed, and we’re just hoping he gets support to track him down and get it to stop.”

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Nonprofit helps Atlanta single parents handle expenses while pursuing their college degree

CNN Newsource on October 17, 2025

By Alexa Liacko

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    ATLANTA (WUPA) — Census data show there are more single parents in Georgia than in most U.S. states, and the Institute for Women’s Policy Research finds that the majority of these parents are single mothers in college.

Many of these women are struggling to pay for their education and their bills.

To help with the burden, a metro Atlanta organization is helping single parents finish school by offering much more than help with their tuition.

Helping Atlanta single parents stay afloat

Susan Jaeskce has two full-time jobs.

“My shift starts at 12. I work from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.. On the days that I’m not working. I leave the house around 3:15 and I pick the kids up,” Jaeskce said.

She’s a mom to her twin fourth graders as well as an ER nurse.

“It’s busy. It’s very busy. It’s very, very busy,” she said.

Susan Jaeskce almost had to quit her education, but was able to become a nurse thanks to the help from H.O.P.E. Inc.

She’s grateful for the chaos at home because two years ago, things were different. She had been laid off from her marketing job during the pandemic. She decided to go back to school, but almost had to quit.

“I had nothing, no money,” Jaescke recalled. “I, my parents had cosigned on a massive student loan to like, help cover expenses.”

Still, she was coming up short.

“I was applying to all these scholarships that kept getting denied, and I was desperate. I was going to the food pantry for food because, you know, I was feeding my kids over, feeding myself,” she said.

That’s when Jaescke found H.O.P.E. Inc., a nonprofit in Atlanta helping single parents stay in school and stay afloat. The program gives parents up to $800 monthly for rent and childcare expenses. Any single parent who is pursuing a two or four-year degree can apply for help.

Their team also gives families financial counseling, offers tutors for their children, and helps with transportation.

The mission behind H.O.P.E. Inc.

Kenita Smith founded the nonprofit as a single mom after realizing that it takes much more than tuition.

“When parents, especially single parents, or just people in general, aren’t able to complete their college degree, it really does not break the cycle of poverty. It continues to weigh on the economy because these individuals will need to get assistance somehow,” Smith said. “So it’s just a ripple effect.”

Kenita Smith founded H.O.P.E. Inc. as a single mom to help others break out of the cycle of proverty.

Smith said parents working with H.O.P.E. Inc. have increased their income by an average of $44,000, because degrees open doors to higher-paying jobs.

“We’re not just talking about one household, but we’re talking about how this impacts a whole entire community,” she said.

The nonprofit funds its work through donors and grants.

For Jaescke, the support created a second chance she never thought was possible.

“My credit score’s over 800. It wasn’t like that when I first started,” she said. “I am now showing my kids that they can do anything, no matter how difficult the situation is. You might not have two pennies to rub together, but there’s always a little bit of hope that you can find.”

For this mom, that is a dream much bigger than a degree.

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“Hope Lights the Way”: Decatur community honors 170 Georgians lost to domestic violence

CNN Newsource on October 17, 2025

By Nakell Williams

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    DECATUR, Georgia (WUPA) — A somber gathering filled Decatur Square on Thursday evening as dozens came together to honor Georgians whose lives were lost to domestic violence.

The Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence hosted its annual “Hope Lights the Way” vigil, bringing survivors, families, and advocates together to remember the victims and call for an end to abuse.

Inside a chapel on Sycamore Street, candles flickered; each one representing a life lost. Organizers said the vigil serves not only as a memorial, but also as a call to action.

The names of 170 Georgians who died in domestic violence incidents last year were read aloud, each name a reminder of a life cut short.

“Every year for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we hold a candlelight vigil to remember those lost, celebrate survivors, and renew our commitment to ending domestic violence,” said Amber Harris, the Chief Development Officer of the Women’s Resource Center.

Survivors share stories of strength and survival

For survivors like Katrina Flewellyn, the night carried deep personal meaning. After enduring 12 years in an abusive marriage, she said her faith helped her find the courage to leave.

“Pain and scars. I got tired of being mistreated, misguided, misloved,” Flewellyn said. “I started reading the Bible, and once I started learning my word, I started wanting things like freedom and basically wanting to be happy.”

The Women’s Resource Center helped Flewellyn and thousands of others find safety and support. Last year alone, the organization provided direct services to more than 7,000 survivors, a number that continues to rise as economic challenges and high housing costs put more families at risk.

Advocates Call for Action to End Domestic Violence

Advocates say the vigil serves as a stark reminder that domestic violence remains a life-or-death issue for many Georgians.

“We see 170 Georgians whose lives were taken last year, and that could have been prevented,” Harris said.

As more than 100 lights shone across the square, organizers hoped the night would inspire awareness, accountability, and change.

“If we, as a community, took a stand against domestic violence … If we did not accept violence and abuse in our relationships, and held each other accountable for how we treat our partners, then those 170 Georgians would still be with us today,” Harris said.

Help Is Available 24 Hours a Day

The Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence offers 24-hour services and a hotline for anyone facing abuse.

Domestic Violence Hotline: (404) 688-9436

If you or someone you know needs help, you are not alone. Support is available day or night.

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12 rehabilitated bear cubs released into the wild in North Carolina: wildlife commission

CNN Newsource on October 17, 2025

By Marisa Sardonia

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    NORTH CAROLINA (WLOS) — Twelve black bear cubs have been successfully rehabilitated and released back to the wild, state officials confirmed.

These efforts were part of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s long-running cub rehabilitation program, according to a press release from the commission. The program began in 1976 to help restore the state’s black bear population, the wildlife agency said.

This most recent release back to the wild included four cubs from the coastal region and eight from the mountains.

A video released by North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission showing two young black bears being released into the wild after being rehabilitated. (Photo: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission)

NCWRC said it receives orphaned bear cubs starting in late January, with most arriving between April and June. The cubs are then placed with either the North Carolina Zoo or the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge, where they receive specialized care and food until they are between 7 and 8 months old.

Cubs are then released in early fall when natural foods such as acorns and berries are in abundance, the wildlife commission said.

The NCWRC advises that a bear cub seen alone is rarely orphaned, as the mother is often nearby. Intervening with the cub could separate it from its mother and potentially cause harm, according to the NCWRC.

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“Held in sexual servitude”: Jury indicts former school board member for human trafficking

CNN Newsource on October 17, 2025

By by Jennifer Emert & Ruby Annas

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    HENDERSON COUNTY, North Carolina (WLOS) — A Henderson County grand jury has indicted former Henderson County School Board member and Only Hope WNC founder Michael Absher on three counts of human trafficking of child victims.

The court records were published on Thursday, October 16. According to the indictment, the defendant, Absher, had three minors “held in sexual servitude.”

Only Hope is a nonprofit in Hendersonville dedicated to supporting homeless youth.

In a press release issued on Monday, Aug. 18, the board of directors of Only Hope WNC, Inc. confirmed that Michael Lee Absher “has been formally removed from all positions of authority.”

Per the release, Absher is no longer affiliated with the nonprofit organization.

“The safety, well-being, and trust of our clients and the community are our highest priorities,” Kyle Barker, interim chair of the Only Hope Board of Directors, said via the release. “While this is a difficult moment, it is necessary for Only Hope to completely separate itself from Mr. Absher. We are committed to transparency, stability, and moving forward with purpose.”

Absher is a former Henderson County School Board member elected in 2016, according to previous reporting. He served one term and lost reelection in 2020, per Henderson County election results.

On July 31, the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 35-year-old Absher was arrested and charged with multiple sex offenses related to minors. These included two counts of statutory sexual offense with someone 15 years old or younger, the sheriff’s office said on July 31.

On Monday, Aug. 18, District Attorney Andrew Murray confirmed Absher was also charged with seven counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

As News 13 previously reported and according to court records, additional charges were filed against Absher on Sept. 16: One count of indecent liberties with a child and seven counts of statutory sexual offense with a person who is 15 years of age or younger.

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Police warn against viral AI intruder prank after responding to fake home invasion

CNN Newsource on October 16, 2025

By Sadie Buggle

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    FOUNTAIN, Colorado (KRDO) — The Fountain Police Department (FPD) says a viral social media prank using AI-altered photos to fake home intrusions sparked a massive police response Tuesday, leading the department to warn residents about the serious risks behind the trend.

The recent trend, nicknamed the “AI Homeless Man Prank,” is gaining traction on platforms like TikTok, where users manipulate photos using artificial intelligence to create fake images of an intruder inside their home, intending to scare family members or roommates.

Officers with the Fountain Police Department say they responded to a reported burglary on Wednesday morning after a mother called 911, fearing for her daughter’s safety.

The mother told the dispatcher that she had received a text from her daughter saying, “Some strange guy just walked into the house asking to use the restroom.” Her daughter had also sent her a photo of the man in their house, whom the mother described as “homeless-looking.”

The mother said she was then unable to get in contact with her daughter, prompting her to call the police.

FPD said that due to the urgent nature of the call, every police officer and detective who was available was sent to the residence.

“Every available unit responded to this residence. When they got there, they knocked on the door. Originally, there was no response from anyone. So at that point, right now, the situation is now amping up even more because there’s no response. There’s a strange person in the home. Officers were preparing to do whatever they needed to do to get inside that home. That could have meant you know, busting down the front door, whatever that means. And eventually, thankfully, the daughter did come to the door and say that it was a prank,” explained Lisa Schneider, the Public Information Officer for the Fountain Police Department.

She says luckily, there were no other calls for service in Fountain at the time, but if there were, it could have pulled away police resources.

“Yesterday, there was a lot of wasted resources on this call. Thankfully, there were no other calls for service at that point. But if there had been, there would have been a delayed response to someone who was having an actual emergency,” said Schneider.

“While it may seem like a joke, this prank isn’t funny,” the department said in a post to social media. “These pranks cause panic to family members, have the potential of dangerous or violent reactions, and waste time and resources of emergency responders.”

FPD is now urging parents to talk to their kids about the serious consequences of these trends and how they could have serious emotional and legal consequences.

“Please ask questions of roommates or family members before calling 911 to report such an image. Make sure it’s real,” the department said. “Make sure your family members know you’re going to call 911 and they need to tell you then if it’s a prank, before it’s too late.”

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Student-built planes earn FAA certification in North Idaho

CNN Newsource on October 16, 2025

By Tori Luecking

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    SANDPOINT, Idaho (KXLY) — Middle and high school students in North Idaho achieved a noteworthy milestone when the Federal Aviation Administration certified two airplanes they built as airworthy this month.

On October 4, students from the North Idaho High School Aerospace Program received certificates of achievement from the FAA for their building of a Van’s RV12 plane and Zenith 750 STOL plane.

Eric Gray, a former student who worked on the Zenith in high school, will serve as the test pilot for both planes during the upcoming FAA-approved flight testing program.

The two aircraft represent years of work by students who gathered every Saturday in rented hangars at Sandpoint Airport.

Under guidance from volunteer mentors, the students developed both aviation-related skills and leadership abilities while constructing the planes from kits.

The nonprofit North Idaho High School Aerospace Program operates on approximately $15,000 annually and has guided nearly 60 graduates into aviation careers or training programs during its 13-year history.

The program offers academic credit courses at Sandpoint High School, discounted flight training, and hands-on aircraft construction through its Aerospace Center for Education and Skills (ACES) workshops.

As the certified planes move into flight testing, students are also working to build a Jabiru J430 composite aircraft.

The program relies heavily on donations and grants, and hopes to secure additional funding to purchase another plane kit. For more information and to support the program, visit highschoolaerospace.org.

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Falls of Clyde ship towed from Honolulu Harbor, sunk south of Oahu

CNN Newsource on October 16, 2025

By Jeremiah Estrada

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    HONOLULU (KITV) — The Falls of Clyde ship has been removed from Honolulu Harbor and the remainders of this maritime history was sunk south of the island.

The ocean disposal of Falls of Clyde was completed on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, after it first arrived in Hawaii in 1898. As one of the one of the oldest surviving ships from the Matson fleet, it transported goods between the islands and the West Coast.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) and Shipwright LLC began the operation at sunrise on Wednesday. Falls of Clyde was towed from its berth at Pier 7 to the disposal site approximately 25 miles south of Honolulu Harbor.

The sinking of the ship was completed as planned, which Shipwright notified HDOT about around noon.

Falls of Clyde was restored and became a floating maritime museum before it was condemned in 2016.

The Friends of Falls of Clyde held a small send-off ceremony ahead of the ship’s removal from the port on Tuesday, Oct. 14. Though the ship now rests in waters around Oahu, HDOT will memorialize it with a permanent display that will feature key artifacts such as the ship’s name board, wheel and bell.

“HDOT extends its appreciation to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard for its guidance through the regulatory process for the operation,” HDOT shared in a news release.

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Otter pirates surfer’s board in Santa Cruz, evoking memories of Otter 841

CNN Newsource on October 16, 2025

By Michael Rosales

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    SANTA CRUZ, California (KSBW) — A surfer at Steamer Lane says an otter bit her foot and then climbed onto her board Tuesday evening, holding it hostage for roughly 20 minutes as rescuers rushed in.

Isabella Orduna was paddling out when she felt “a nip” on her foot. She rolled off and turned to see an otter perched on her board.

Unsure what to do, Orduna called to another surfer for help. A full water rescue followed, with emergency crews arriving within minutes.

Ben Coffey, a marine safety officer with Santa Cruz Fire, helped escort Orduna out of the water. “You don’t go out thinking an otter is going to get on your board,” he said, adding she stayed calm and was not hurt.

The encounter revived memories of “Otter 841,” a female sea otter that went viral two years ago for repeatedly taking over surfers’ boards in Santa Cruz.

Whether it’s the same otter is unknown. Experts note there’s no current way to confirm 841’s identity; she previously had a tracker, but it’s no longer on her.

Orduna left the beach uninjured and in good spirits.

As a surfer, she said, it’s important to remember humans are guests in the ocean and to respect wildlife. She doesn’t hold a grudge—just plans to be a bit more cautious about who she shares the lineup with.

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New silverback gorilla “Cecil” debuts at San Francisco Zoo

CNN Newsource on October 16, 2025

By Carlos E. Castañeda

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    SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) — The San Francisco Zoo on Wednesday gave a sneak preview of one of its newest residents, a male silverback Western lowland gorilla.

The 26-year-old gorilla named “Cecil” will make his official public debut on Saturday, after arriving at the zoo in early August from the Louisville Zoo in Kentucky. An acclimation process began after Cecil’s arrival, along with an introductory phase with the zoo’s resident females, zoo officials said.

Robbie Graham, the zoo’s senior curator of mammals, said the acclimation involved quarantine protocols, and after several weeks of visual engagement with the female gorillas, the doors inside the enclosure were opened so Cecil and the females could mingle.

“They’ve had a couple of weeks with the exhibit and the holdings to get used to each other and figure out the rules,” Graham said. “The girls definitely showed him who’s boss and running the show. Luckily, Cecil is probably one of the most even-tempered, chilled-out silverbacks there is.”

“The arrival of Cecil is a welcome one, not only for our gorilla family, but for the City of San Francisco,” said the zoo’s COO and Interim co-CEO Cassandra Costello. “From the excitement I hear from the community, we know that visitors will come specifically to see him, as he takes reign of his new family troop.”

In February, the zoo’s 43-year-old silverback gorilla, “Oscar Jonesy,” died from complications after a medical procedure. Oscar Jonesy had lived at the Buffalo Zoo for many years before moving to the San Francisco Zoo in 2004, becoming the head of the zoo’s “troop” of gorillas.

Oscar Jonesy was the father of “Kabibe,” a 16-month-old gorilla who was fatally crushed by a hydraulic door in 2014 while the gorillas were being moved to their night quarters. The zoo paid a $1,750 fine for negligence over the accident.

In 2020, the zoo’s 39-year-old female gorilla “Zura” died after suffering from long-term digestive issues.

In August, longtime San Francisco Zoo & Gardens CEO Tanya Peterson retired weeks after Mayor Daniel Lurie called for her departure. Peterson and the zoo had come under fire following an October 2024 audit compiled by the San Francisco Animal Control and Welfare Commission that concluded the zoo was outdated and unsafe for animals and visitors.

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